How emerald ash borer arrived in Omaha
Emerald ash borer was first confirmed in Omaha in June 2016, in Pulaski Park, according to UNL and the Nebraska Forest Service. EAB spreads mostly through people moving firewood and nursery stock. Nebraska's EAB quarantine was lifted on October 29, 2020. If you're moving firewood out of state, check with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture, as destination states may still require certification.
Signs your ash tree may have EAB
The three main signs to look for are a thinning canopy, branch dieback, and D-shaped exit holes in the bark.
UNL Extension also lists broader signs that any tree may need an arborist's evaluation: decay, conks (mushroom-like growths), cracks, girdling roots, co-dominant leaders, leaning, and root plate defects. An ash showing several of these alongside EAB signs is worth having a contractor look at soon.
Treat or remove: what the Nebraska Forest Service recommends
The Nebraska Forest Service guidance is specific: only consider treating an ash tree if EAB has been found within 15 miles of the tree AND the tree is healthy and in a good location. A healthy, well-placed ash has no urgent need to be removed just because EAB exists in the region.
Ash tree treatment is not a one-time fix. Omaha's city forester noted in 2021 that treatment has to continue for the life of the tree. In 2021 the City of Omaha switched from treating its public ash trees to removing them. At that time the city counted 14,569 ash trees on public property and had removed over 6,000 since 2016.
Infested ash trees, according to that same 2021 reporting, "become brittle and unpredictable," which is a factor to discuss with a contractor when deciding how long to wait.
Ash tree treatment and the pesticide license requirement
If a contractor offers trunk injections as an ash tree treatment option, the Nebraska Department of Agriculture requires a commercial pesticide applicator license for injections done for hire. The Nebraska Forest Service also says trunk injections are a job for a certified arborist. Ask to see both credentials before agreeing to any injection treatment.
Ash treatments typically last only a year or two and need to be repeated, so factor that into any cost comparison between treating and removing.
Street ash trees and city responsibility
If your ash tree sits between the sidewalk and the curb, it's in the city right-of-way. In Omaha, homeowners are responsible for maintaining trees in that strip, including structural pruning and picking up fallen branches. However, check with Omaha Forestry (402-444-5925) before removing or pruning a street tree.
How to choose a contractor for ash tree work
The Nebraska Forest Service advises getting more than one estimate and being cautious about quotes that are far below the others. Ask for proof of ISA or Nebraska Arborists Association certification; you can verify an ISA Certified Arborist at treesaregood.org. Ask for certificates of insurance for liability and workers' compensation and call the insurer to confirm. The City of Omaha has required a city arborist's license for paid tree work; ask to see it and confirm with the city. Nebraska contractors must register with the Nebraska Department of Labor (search at dol.nebraska.gov), and you can check a company's record with the BBB of the Midwest Plains, based in Omaha. Get everything in writing.
Frequently asked questions
My ash tree looks thin at the top. Does that mean it has to come down?
Not necessarily. A thinning canopy is one sign of EAB. The Nebraska Forest Service says a healthy, well-placed ash has no urgent need to be removed, and treatment is worth considering only if EAB is within 15 miles and the tree is healthy and in a good spot. Have someone look at it before you decide.
Can I keep the wood from my ash tree as firewood?
EAB spreads mostly through moved firewood, so keep ash firewood local. Nebraska's EAB quarantine was lifted, but moving firewood out of state may still require certification. Check with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture before transporting it across state lines.
What about disposal of the tree after removal?
Omaha's curbside program accepts branches up to 2 inches thick and 4 feet long, bundled, during free spring and fall collection weeks. Trunks and large limbs are not curbside material. Ask your contractor whether haul-away is included in the quote.
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